Personal property appraisals involve the valuation of tangible assets such as household contents, antiques, jewelry, furs, sterling silver, decorative arts, collectibles, fine art, vehicles and more. The services of a qualified appraiser are called for when there is a need to know the worth of personal property for one of many reasons--

Estate planning (i.e., I want to know the value of my possessions so I can make informed decisions when it comes time to distribute or dispose of them.)

What is an Appraisal?

An appraisal is an opinion of value. While opinions of value are subjective, their validity is dependent upon the expertise, experience and knowledge of the appraiser. Their accuracy also relies on the impartiality of the appraiser who ideally should have no past, present or potential future interest in the value of the property.

Appraisals are presented as either a verbal opinion (a legally non-binding form) or a written opinion. Based on the purpose of the appraisal and other factors, written opinions can be in the form of either brief overviews or lengthy reports. They generally include inspection of the property, inventorying (if applicable), photography, identifications, descriptions, provenance, research and valuations.

At English & Associates each client relationship begins with a mutual agreement on the scope of work that will be involved. We take the time to walk you through each step so you will have a full understanding of the process and how we can best serve you. If you’ve never had an appraisal before, we will also help you determine what kind of value you need for your purposes, i.e., fair market, replacement cost, liquidation, salvage, scrap, loss on value, etc.

Our fees are based on a standard hourly rate. Contractual full-day rates are available for large inventory or complex appraisals. Whether you need an appraisal on just one item or an entire residential contents, we can handle it all. Most appraisals are conducted on-site by appointment only. If we feel an assignment extends beyond our capabilities and expertise, we will inform you and offer alternative choices.

About the Appraiser

Company owner Patricia M. English is an accredited appraiser and member of the International Society of Appraisers. As the largest association of its kind, ISA represents the most highly trained and rigorously tested independent personal property appraisers in the U.S. and Canada. Designated as a generalist appraiser, Ms. English specializes in residential contents, antiques, decorative arts, fine art, collectibles and silver.

As an ISA member Ms. English adheres to a strict code of ethics, standards and procedures in order to ensure clients they are dealing with a professional whose opinion can be relied on. She maintains her status as an accredited member through continuing education, regular mandatory re-qualification and the adherence to current USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Practice) guidelines.

Call for a Consultation

If you are exploring our website to find out more about personal property appraisals and how they work, please contact us for a no-obligation consultation. A person-to-person conversation is the best way to find out everything you need to know. If you are outside the Greater Houston area, give us a call at ﻿713-588-2798﻿ and we'll be happy to discuss your needs.

English & Associates Estate Services serves clientele throughout the Greater Houston area including the Inner Loop, West University, Montrose, Katy, Spring, Ft. Bend County, Sugar Land and points beyond. As a professional personal property appraiser located in Houston, Texas, we provide full-service appraisals, estate sales and estate liquidations. If you need an appraisal, antique appraisal, art appraisal, insurance appraisal or personal property appraisal and are looking for a qualified appraiser, contact us today. Owner Patricia M. English is a long-time Houston resident, an accredited appraiser and member of the International Society of Appraisers.